iStockPhoto/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- States are making progress on reducing drunk driving incidents.

In 27 states there were declines in the number of deaths blamed on drunk driving last year, according to a report from the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. New York, Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee had the biggest reductions.

There were still nearly 10,000 people killed in drunk driving crashes IN 2011, so the Department of Transportation is starting a holiday crackdown. Transportation officials remind partiers to designate a sober driver or arrange a safe ride home and keep drunk people from getting behind the wheel.

"The holiday season can be an especially dangerous time on our nation's roadways due to drunk drivers -- that's why law enforcement officers will be out in full force," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Our message is simple: drive sober or get pulled over."